process management

Today`s complex and dynamic logistic processes are largely addicted to the efficient management of relevant information. Integrated into centralised planning and control structures, the flow and management of information is mostly handled in separate processes or sub processes. This proceeding results in an additional effort for the information processing and in corresponding delays during the process execution. This is especially the case for mobile work processes. Wearable computing systems offer the possibility to use modern information and communication technologies for a direct integration of the information processing and information management into the mobile work process. In this way the mobile user is discharged and able to concentrate on his logistical main task.

There is hardly a company that would not claim to be very flexible. Being flexible has become essential in today’s business world. It is a common misconception to consider high flexibility as the ability to compensate for weaknesses in processes or their design. On the other hand it is associated with the readiness or acceptance of the staff to cushion surges in needed capacity without additional expenses being incurred whatever induced the fluctuations. In times of market depression as we see today the narrow limits become blatantly apparent in the light of the current redundancy trend. If flexibility to such an extent is an important characteristic of manufacturers how and where can we see it? Proper process design which orients itself by the principles of simplicity and clarity is the core of highly flexible manufacturing systems. In conclusion by examining manufacturing processes of a low volume production the necessary prerequisites, the potential gains as well as limitations to ...

Traditional understanding of production planning and scheduling in concordance with IT support has led to an increasing complexity and instability of production schedules. Since their advent, ERP-systems problem solving approaches have basically remained the same: Intricate planning and meticulous detailing have resulted in sprawling complexity and massive IT employment. Yet, another approach is possible: Simple process design, courage to accept fuzziness in detail and rigorous process orientation will lead to a production system without the need for detailed, pseudo-accurate schedules calculated by ERP-systems. The design of manufacturing and materials logistics is, therefore, revived as a matter of brainwork. This simple environment is crucial in achieving minimum lead-times and inventories which is accomplished with less administrative effort. By using this concept of production planning and control at a production plant for welding elements as an example, this article emphasizes ...

The technical change management poses a particular challenge for the components supplier industry, due to this industry needs to consider a number of internal as well as OEMs’ external requirements concerning the underlying process. Thus a multitude of process sequences develop, which complicate standardisation and computer support. The following article describes a pragmatic method of resolution, which was conceptually designed and implemented within a project of the company KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG and the Chair of Information Technology in Mechanical Engineering (ITM) at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Due to accelerating innovation processes, shorter product life cycles, and a broader range of products the ramp-up management in the automotive industry has become more and more important over the last years. Within this process the launch support process has to ensure the meeting of the quality expectations of the costumers right from the start. The article discusses the requirements of an efficient product launch process, stressing the importance of fast and sustainable knowledge management.